Gammalite

With the NZ Messenger on this Friday, a chance to remember a great . The mighty Locarno. !!! Here he is winning the Messenger on very first time I went to Alexandra Park Christmas 1978. Had a win on him too , as was a beautiful standout horse. A bit like Gammalite !! lol.... BTW Koala King did manage redemption for Aussie !! soon after the Locarno Miracle Mile , winning the 1980 Interdominon Final at Harold Park (his home track) . Locarno a Fine Second.

The NZ Messenger ! What a race it is. Was always at Christmas in my Day during the holidays. Here are all the one's I was at and enjoyed. What a great list of Fine winning Horseman too !! 7 horses from the South Island too ? wow wee 1985 December Placid Victor Mrs L G Wilson Maurice McKendry 3:23.2 1984 December Roydon Glen R A McKenzie W F Fletcher 3:25.4 1983 December Nostradamus W J Francis & P I Renwick P N Jones 3:32.4 1982 December Hilarious Guest M G Vermeulen Peter Wolfenden 3:26.2 1981 December Melton Monarch J S Dalgety B Purdon 3:26.5 1980 December John Tudor H T & A P Dodds & B C Newton T H Knowles 3:29.3 1979 December Tempest Tiger P K Ryder J W Smolenski 3:27.9 1978 March Sapling G C Cruickshank & R Given H W Skinner 3:26.4 1978 December Locarno B J & E J Francis R D Butt Here's a quick quiz Karrots. Which one of these fine horses not only conquered the NZ Messenger, but went on to grab a Miracle Mile Win over Australian champions Pure Steel, Koala King and Paleface Adios??

109% is the allocated figure for NZ cost of living increase. And don't bring house prices into it. 1/3 of all NZ dwellings have been built this century, so costs WAY different, and real estate is an Investment Industry , with plenty of folk wanting elaborate Property portfolios. So it is folly to use that as a Cost of Living index. I say you are correct that on looking at it , the Stakemoney is stagnant for the novice classes. Waikato and Ashburton look like $8,000 races this week , and were possibly competing for between 5k and 7k 30 years ago, which would indicate those sort of races should be 11k to 15k these days just to be the same? so does seem is less result for owners as you say. That is why NZ and Aus (each state ) very big on the sires stakes races, as locals a chance to win big. Also agree the horse racing costs probably in excess of the index , due to 'professional services' like the vet, truck maintenance, the farrier , the feed merchant, etc,etc all going through the ceiling. Once upon a time you took a lot of these on yourself, People grew their own hay, stuck the shoes on, did their treatments without vet often enough, all the bookwork, even the stablework lol..... I'm with you also as a harness fan, would love to race a horse again, but this century? just no value , just the prospect of loss? no hope of talking someone new into it. Entertainment factor seems greatly diminished too.

I have some Auckland racebooks from normal meets, from the late 80's when visiting NZ again. The Auckland prizemoney you would think would be similar to Addington in those loose class events. c0 raced for $6,000 ($3,400 to winners) c1 raced for $6,500 ($3,750 to winners ) and the c2 were up for $7,000 race stakes with $4,000 to the winner. Conversion from that time is about 100% (just over in value) so the $6,000 for the maidens would be same as $12,000 these days. hope that helps you and Ranga a little.

Yes the start is critical in the shorter races. The longer run to the first bend being actioned, is excellent because it changes the race tactics. The Queensland miles at Albion 1000m track are 1660m. It encourages those drawn wide to have a crack for the lead (or outside leader) before the first bend, whereas if racing is just 1609m EXACT mile, the turn is too close , and the outside horse's would Have to drop back in field, as would be planted 3-wide. Second row runners then also get more chance as the 'extra pressure' up front early , sometimes causes those up front to tire slightly and the backmarkers can get into it afterall. ! So all good , and sure Ashburton TC would be thinking the same, and drivers will be happy ok.

My first Rowe Cup live, was "No Response" off 10m 1981. He also won the Interdominion trot in blistering fashion for Richard Brosnan (now in Vic) in the most thrilling win I can remember at Addington in 1979 , storming home from near last turning for home to beat the 2 Aussies in front of the huge NZ crowd. amazing. A good friend of mine won the Interdominion trot Final with one of your fav's "Yankee Loch" too ! Jimmy O'Sullivan driving him to victory at Moonie Valley in 1989 for Jack Carmichael. Alas I didn't back him and missed out, but hope you were on. !

You're a hard man. trot 4.06 off the front , or come around the field from 15m having to trot 4.04.6 covering extra ground as well. Know which one I'd rather be doing and have anyway. wink. Must say it was a Stonking Win by Sundee's Son in the last Rowe Cup. He started Unruly position and would of been 20m behind Pole marker then anyway. and settled 30m from lead. looped to get lead at bell, and won under a hold. He's a superstar.

A horse draws one and everyone is getting it beaten ?? Crikey if he can't win from there doesn't deserve it. Vinny couldn't win from 1 alley with Popular Alm either at Auckland. hehehe Lyell Creek won 2 of his 3 Rowe Cups off 15m ? bit harder than drawing One alley lol. The great Aussie La Coocharacha won off 15m 2002 same as Lyell Creek the 2 previous years, looping the field half-way to grind Take A Moment (who won 2003 Rowe Cup the following year also off 15m!!) into the ground in a spectacular staying effort. The great Handicap now for Sook's only and grizzling because they drew 1. hahahaha

Whoever invented a FFA stand ? goodness me . the current Rowe Cup holder SSon should be off 10 metres surely? . Plenty of great trotters have had to come around the whole field to 'Prove' their greatness over the years in this great race over 2 miles , with a fair handicap after prior big results. Having won the Dominion and the last Rowe Cup SS should be on 20m behind IMO Just a near gift off the front for Sundee'sSon. Weak as piss handicappers these days!!!!! lol......

This is debateable Brodie as you have said many times, you are a 'large bet' customer and a winning one at that. The TAB is a big business and cannot operate 'In The Red' . Davis also said is on a winning streak. It doesn't take Einstein to know that you blokes follow the sport, and could be damaging if 'winning ' all the time , from whatever system you use. (card counters are quickly identified in casinos and expelled, etc) How can you blame Betting agencies for keeping the winners under 'control'? they would be showing you have either inside knowledge or a system that 'beats' theirs . You and would be wanting them restricted I would think, as exactly as you said , I know of no-one new (nor old except myself for that matter lol) who even bets on harness racing. therefore those that do (and win) regularly must stand out like dogs balls.

agreed Brodster , any sports has it's problems. you just have to address them. You have come up with a list. yeah the whip changes sure led to lots of problems, but what can you do?? they tried to make it look better for the horse, and to my eye , It is? driving standard NZ is fabulous. You hated the 2 'Short course races' at Rangiora, but the 2 winners came from impossible draws , due to exceptionally good driving. Yeah I know, getting the distance back out is best, whatever. .... don't know why you lose your pants over 2 races. Maybe young trainers could LEASE stables near a training track. Many did near Pukekohe training track for years? plenty of trainers were there like Herlihy, Reid, Blanchard , Reaks, must still be some I imagine. Big stakes going to the one stable or millionaire billionaires is nothing new. Check out the gallops with chicken Kings for years , Godolphin, Lyodd Williams, results recent years. Snowy Lupton and Sheila Laxon a thing of the past , being anywhere near winning a Big Cup like the Melbourne one ever again. very limited who can win an Interdominion or a NZ Cup too. but usually connections of those winners pour thousands into the industry , and NZ breeders can still make a dollar? hopefully. Increasing revenue?? that is a tough one. Brodster a leading example. How can you increase , when won't let punters on? as you say doesn't make sense. Just have to place bets that work around it somehow. guess it depends whether making a living out of it or doing for fun ??? i'm only a Fun better NZ trots nowadays.

JJ , I'm deeply troubled by the thought of yourself not seeing a future for harness racing. Bad enough the disgruntled Punter Brodie gives every little change or innovation the thumbs down , because he can't get a bet on , but both of you are knowledgeable chaps as regards to the history/ status of harness racing. Why cannot folk like you come up with POSITIVE ideas to keep the game afloat?? Ranga attended a meeting recently and almost got shot down in flames ? that was funny , but Good On Ya Ranga !!!! people like you and Karrots are needed as still want to go and support the industry. As a teenage kid I went along to support, and even sold these Rosettes at Alexandra Park for $2 a pop, as loved the game , and anything to stimulate support is amazing. !!

The Last few years the 'Big Match' (don't Beat me up) Score is TAB: 1 (They're always winning) Labour Party: 2 (terms in office) Brodster: 0.

A great nights racing , even with the wet. Geez it must be hard to see where you're going with all that white-wash spraying up. Sundee's Son wrapped up the Trotters title with a big win. He didn't mind the wet, one wee bit. True Fantasy was terrific for the Group 1 young Fillies race. What good is a Group 1 night without Mark winning one.? the bloke is Superman in disguise. The Green family sponsered Race 8 , and then Won it with their filly The Honey Queen. (used the sprint slush lane too !!! lol..) John and Trish raced 'The Agent Orange' too, so wonder if The Honey Queen will go to that level.?

I'm hoping for $140 increase to my punting revenue today Chief !! I carefully dodged the 4 x standing starts as are not great revenue raisers and Very hard to Pick. Some Very nice Natalie Rass chances going in the 1980m mobile races today at Addington!!. (been better if they were just 1400m to increase my chances, but can't have all the luck lol) Her three drives today should all be winning in Races 3 , 4 and 6 and at odds of 8-1 combined , a lazy $20 should be giving me a great run at some revenue.? all going well.

A good question Chief. Hopefully you will have betting on mile races. I agree with you , that the barriers are critical and do make the races EASIER TO PICK the chances? Therefore , seems a good betting race.? some horses barely a factor. I wouldn't bet on those 16 horse trotters handicap stands that you often have with Monopoly Money . .....how's the revenue on those go ? that's a novelty race to me . Very hard to win as a Punter on those without risk lol..... Sure ! make em 1700 or something. I DON'T recommend 1400m . as gate speed becomes 'critical' as opposed to essential .Nearly all horses racing have some gate speed these days, and if not, why not? should be trained to hold their position at least, if drawn in.

Well I guess Rangiora trotting club joins the TAB , Labour Party and Greyhound racing (thoroughbred racing too?) on your NOT IN FAVOUR list. I gave great reasons why speed racing is of benefit to the horse , and to the punter. Also very easy to Train and drive, those distance races , (of Days gone by) had many Pulling strong horses , and it took strong horseman to steer and control them. It takes fabulous horsemen , like the NZ ones esp ALLSTARS to get those horses to win the Long distance races. Nowadays , 'they Let them roll' and skinny kids, teenage boys and girls , can all have a crack. Is great to see. (An intricate detail that you would not notice, but I do) Who gives a fuck about mile rates? I don't even know what the great one himself GAMMALITE , has next to his name as best mile rate , nor do I care, even though a fan of the horse. 16 Group 1's is a better stat. Why are these 'phenomanal mile rates ' a problem? and Mobiles way , waaaay better than the stupid standing starts.Who would risk their money on those. Pokie players or the greyhound fan club maybe? lol......

I'm just commenting in general on the racing mate. You made a point about stat's blah blah that I wasn't commenting on . If you want my opinion on that , well, who gives a rat's !!!!apart from the OWNER if a horse has 2.02, 1.56, or 1.50 next to it's name. If it draws a wide barrier same disadvantage as everyone else.

Horses are bred for speed.? not bred to run 2 miles as much. The very good ones can. much respect to them. As I said to Brodie , the horse itself can 'recover ' well' from these bursts and race day to day without being 'flat.' As a betting spectacle , YES Indeed , barrier is critical . but when is it not?? You can add drawing 1 and 2 on the second row to your list of Good draws, as the runners that do draw 1 and 2 off the front usually 'Hunt out ' for all they're worth to take advantage of said draw, so the second row get wonderful Trail through to handy position. As a Punter I Love my runners having Advantage at the start. Don't know what you're grizzling about.? If only 3 or 4 dangers of beating your horse, in your mind, because of barriers drawn, How Good Is That ??? better than having 5 or 6 dangers against your bet. As a 'Viewing' spectacle. yeah pretty boring. nothing to see. just watch last 50m really , seeing if your horse can ping up inside of leader or Not? lol............

Yes , a media race. Notice Reon has a whip and the others don't !! lol.... very smart man. That's Ian Chambers on the Far right. A 30 year career South Island commentator / race Caller , many of you will know.

Reon Murtha was a gifted driver too. Had all the tactics known from watching the greats in action. That is him 2nd From the left, looking the most professional amongst this group waiting for their drives. Could be the BOAY Cup ? with the original BOAY contributors ! Reon, of course Won the Race these guys are waiting for easily !!

A Gammalite favourite resumed racing at Menangle yesterday. EXPENSIVE EGO after his great 2nd in the Miracle Mile early last month ( when 3 wide then in the death too) back on the track yesterday and............ On a quiet Tuesday afternoon he won by 6 lengths in 1.48.6 for the mile. Incredible . what a speed machine. He would be winning at Rangiora in 1.34.5 odd lol.................

that's tough. at least you gave it a go. maybe a child of yours could open one and then you use it? But go slightly smaller so you don't get them barred with too much winnings hehehe? I would use my son's if that happened to me with the banning certain bets. Actually Ladbrokes banned him from entering any promotions any more at all, because he won one of them. A day prize of $1000 for getting best total with a pick every race with $10ew at Flemington $20ew on captain . His captain won at $15 so he jagged the win over the nation. can't enter anything promotional now, just won't take his entry if he tries on-line. Shame on them ! being worth millions and pick on a promotion winner. wonder if Mitch Kerr has any tips how to get the bets on hehehe....

1600 dead in Delhi today . just one city. They have to Lock-Down for 6 days from now ! No choice. Bit late now they are in catastrophe ?? Better there than here ???? our governments prevented this , bless them. Australian and NZ cricketers are there playing IPL to empty stadiums at the moment. Then they come back to our countries RISKING bringing that shit with them. After all the hard work to keep us safe as well. Absolute disgrace , just for money. Shouldn't let them back in I reckon.

That's painful then. If you an't get on why not use opponents then like Laddie's, Bet365, points Bet, there is quite a few going and some must mimic the tote odds to get their markets.? Kerr got on with them companies apparently , with the larger bets ? or are you connected to harness and the RIU will come calling lol.